Occupational Health Assurance Program

Transcription

1 January 2011 VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY Occupational Health Assurance Program Environmental Health and Safety Services

2

3 E N V I R O N M E N T A L, H E A L T H A N D S A F E T Y S E R V I C E S Occupational Health Assurance Program Environmental, Health and Safety Services Health and Safety Building 459 Tech Center Drive Blacksburg, VA Phone Fax (540) Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, sex, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, political affiliation or sexual orientation. The university is subject to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistant Act of 1974, the Federal Executive Order 11246, Virginia s State Executive Order Number Two, and all other rules and regulations that are applicable. Anyone having questions concerning any of those regulations should contact the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office, 336 Burruss Hall, Blacksburg, Virginia , (540) , TTY: (540) i

4 REVISION STATUS Revision Status Contact(s) Deborah Young, Manager, Occupational Health and Lab Safety Programs Deborah Young, CIH CSP, CoDirector, EHSS Sarah P. Owen, MPA, MSEd, Industrial Hygienist, Manager of Medical Surveillance Program Sarah P. Owen, MPA, MSEd, Industrial Hygienist, Manager of Medical Surveillance Program Zack Adams, PE, CSP, CIH, Assistant Director, EHSS Zack Adams, PE, CSP, CIH, Assistant Director, EHSS Implementation Date Revision Number Comments Original document describing the newly restructured medical surveillance program May, Program re-written to conform to EHSS template and to reflect regulatory changes of past ten years Sept, EC codes added to reflect additional services now offered to qualified VT staff. Update contact information May, Update Annual Schedule October Consolidate entrance criteria; add hexavalent chromium; add vaccinations and related services January Annual review and update ii

5 INTRODUCTION Table of Contents REVISION STATUS... II INTRODUCTION... 5 Purpose... 5 Application... 5 Scope... 5 RESPONSIBILITIES... 5 EHSS... Error! Bookmark not defined. University Departments... 5 Supervisors/Principal Investigators... 6 Employees... 6 PROGRAM OVERVIEW... 7 Controls... 7 Entrance Methods... 7 Entrance Criteria... 7 Frequency of Medical Evaluations... 7 MEDICAL SERVICES CORRECTIVE ACTIONS MEDICAL REMOVAL MEDICAL REASSIGNMENT iii

6 INTRODUCTION This page left intentionally blank. iv

7 ENTRANCE CRITERIA Introduction Purpose The Occupational Health Assurance Program (OHAP) provides medical monitoring for Virginia Tech employees whose job duties present specific, potential health risks. The monitoring performed helps the university assure that the controls that are being used to reduce employee exposure to these health risks are actually working as intended. This is accomplished by verifying that employees are not showing medical signs or symptoms of exposure. The program also provides necessary vaccinations and titers for individuals who have substantial animal contact or work with infectious agents including bloodborne pathogens. Finally, OHAP supports university compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, Centers for Disease Control standards and other authorities requiring medical surveillance. Application Employees whose job duties present specific, potential health risks are provided medical inations, medical tests, and immunizations and titers as required by regulation or standards. These services are provided at no cost to the employee. Employees are allowed to participate during normal work hours, whenever possible. Scope Employees that meet one or more of the program s Entrance Criteria, as outlined in this document, are provided services under this program. Responsibilities Environmental, Health and Safety Services (EHSS) Coordinates the Occupational Health Assurance Program at Virginia Tech; Provides or coordinates all medical monitoring and medical services for covered employees; Maintains records according to OSHA requirements; and, Provides exposure monitoring and evaluations to determine if employees are being exposed above legal limits that would make it necessary for them to participate in this program. University Departments Assure supervisors know to communicate personnel changes such as new hires, terminations, and role changes to EHSS by calling ; Implement recommendations of EHSS monitoring and corrective action reports; 5

8 ENTRANCE CRITERIA Support supervisors with providing employees time away-from-work to attend scheduled appointments for medical tests and evaluations; Reimburse EHSS for missed appointments; and, Request exposure monitoring services, as needed. Supervisors/Principal Investigators tify EHSS before an employee that participated in medical surveillance leaves the position either through retirement, transfer or role change; Promptly notify EHSS when a new employee is hired into a position that historically participated in medical surveillance, and assures medical services are provided before the employee is exposed to the hazardous condition; Implement recommendations of EHSS monitoring and corrective action reports. Assure employees keep scheduled appointments for medical tests and evaluations; Assure new employees are provided proper training on work practices and procedures necessary to reduce exposure to hazards requiring medical surveillance; and, Request exposure monitoring services, when a suspect overexposure condition exists, by calling Employees Keep all scheduled appointments for medical testing and evaluations; Implement recommendations of monitoring reports; Use personal protective equipment when required; Follow established worksite rules when working with or around hazards covered by this program; Request exposure monitoring services, as needed; and, Report any changes in personal health that might be related to a work place health hazard: o If you are pregnant, seeking to become pregnant, immunocompromised, or have concerns related to your health based on your workplace exposure, discuss your concerns with your primary care and/or the occupational when an appointment is scheduled; o If you develop signs or symptoms that you associate with exposures in your workplace or that are related to respirator use, contact EHSS immediately by calling so that a consultation can be arranged with the occupational. 6

9 ENTRANCE CRITERIA Program Overview Controls If employees are exposed above allowable limits as established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), EHSS will work with the employees department to determine if engineering, administrative, or work practice controls can be implemented to reduce employee exposures. Medical surveillance will be provided for affected employees while these controls are being implemented, or if they fail or are not feasible. Entrance Methods EHSS is responsible for reviewing all new hires and all current employee exposure conditions to determine entrance eligibility. Departments have the responsibility of notifying EHSS whenever changes are made to employees' job duties, and whenever employees, such as graduate student workers, are placed in exposure situations. EHSS will determine if employees are or may be exposed above limits by performing workplace and process evaluations and/or by actually monitoring employee exposures. Entrance Criteria Medical surveillance services will be provided if employees are exposed above allowable limits to certain chemicals, dusts or physical agents. Medical surveillance services, including vaccinations and titers, will also be provided if employees are exposed to bloodborne pathogens, are employed as animal handlers or who have significant animal exposure, or if they work with infectious agents, select agents or toxins. The entrance criteria and medical services provided are listed in Tables 1 and 2. Frequency of Medical Evaluations Depending on the Entrance Criterion, the evaluations will be offered by EHSS at any combination of the following times: 1. Time of Assignment. "Time of Assignment" is the thirty day period following EITHER the first day of employment in a position, OR the first day of assignment to new working conditions where an employee will be exposed to a health hazard covered in Table Periodic. "Periodic" evaluation frequency is typically annual; however it may be greater or less. The frequency is specified in the applicable regulation for the hazard to which the employee is exposed and is generally outlined in Table Emergency Exposure. "Post Exposure" evaluations are to be given as soon as possible after a known exposure incident has occurred, or after an employee develops signs or symptoms of that may be related to a work-related exposure. 4. Exit Evaluations "Exit Evaluations" are required by many regulations (see Table 1) and are to be provided within a sixty day period before the date that the employee leaves the position/work environment that posed the health risk. The supervisor is 7

10 ENTRANCE CRITERIA responsible for notifying EHSS when an employee is planning to leave a position where an Exit Evaluation must be offered. Table 1 - Entrance Criteria for Chemicals, Dusts and Physical Agents Exposure of Concern is: Employees are enrolled if: Occupations Where Exposures May Occur: Acrylonitrile > the Action Level without regard for the use of Manufacture of acrylic and modiacrylic fibers, acrylic plastics and resins, specialty polymers, nitrile rubbers, and other organic chemicals. Application as a fumigant. Arsenic (Inorganic) above the Action Level, without regard for the use of, at least 30 days per year (a) Use/manufacture of pesticides, rodenticides, or wood preservatives. Certain soldering operations. Can be formed by roasting or smelting of sulfide minerals. Asbestos above Permissible Exposure Limits Remove or repair of asbestos materials including: cement, plaster, fire proofing, insulation, floor tile, floor tile glue, pipe, pipe insulation, brake and clutch linings, pipe and boiler insulation materials. Pre-placement Periodic Emergency/ exposure ination and tests Termination Work and medical history -- if no within 6 months of termination -- if no within 6 months of termination -- within ± 30 days of termination Chest x-ray b Pulmonary function test Evaluation of ability to wear a respirator Employee counseling unless needed for use of unless needed for use of Benzene > the Action Level for 30 days per year or above the Permissible Exposure Limit for 10 days per year (a) Laboratory operations. Use or application of gasoline or certain lacquer solvents and paint removers. if are used by by by Medical removal plan (a) Other requirements may apply. Please contact EHSS for further information. (b) Frequency varies by 8

11 ENTRANCE CRITERIA Table 1 - Entrance Criteria for Chemicals, Dusts and Physical Agents (cont.) Exposure of Concern is: Employees are enrolled if: Occupations Where Exposures May Occur: 1, 3-Butadiene Cadmium Carcinogens (a) Chromium (VI) > the Action Level for 30 days per year or above the Permissible Exposure Limit for 10 days per year Production of styrene-butadiene rubber and polybutadiene rubber, copolymer latexes, resins and polymers, and in the production of such chemicals as fungicides > the Action Level for 30 days per year Ore smelting operations, mist from cadmiumcontaining electroplating baths, drying of cadmium pigments, machining of cadmium coated or containing materials. They work in a location where covered materials (see footnote a, below) are handled, used or stored Any operation using the materials listed in footnote (a), below. > the Action Level for 30 days per year, or are experiencing signs or symptoms of exposure Chromate production, use of chromate pigment and chrome electroplating. Welding of stainless steel. Tanning of hides using Chromium (VI). Pre-placement Within 30 days of initial assignment Periodic Emergency/ exposure ination and tests Termination -- within 48 hours of exposure -- if 12 months have elapsed since last -- special medical surveillance begins within 24 hours, unless last was within 6 months Work and medical history Chest x-ray Pulmonary function test Evaluation of ability to wear a respirator Employee counseling Medical removal unless needed for use of -- if are used contact EHSS for details unless needed for use of -- if are used -- contact EHSS for details As determined by the -- if are used plan (a) Covered carcinogens include: 4-Nitrobiphenyl, alpha-naphthylamine, methyl chloromethyl ether, 3,3'- Dichlorobenzidine (and its salts), bis-chloromethyl ether, beta-naphthylamine, Benzidine, 4- Aminodiphenyl, Ethyleneimine, beta-propiolactone, 2-Acetylaminofluorene, 4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene, and N-Nitrosodimethylamine. Certain exemptions apply. Please contact EHSS for further information. 9

12 ENTRANCE CRITERIA Table 1 - Entrance Criteria for Chemicals, Dusts and Physical Agents (cont.) Exposure of Concern is: Employees are enrolled if: Occupations Where Exposures May Occur: 1,2-Dibromo-3- chloropropane above the Permissible Exposure Limit Application as a soil fumigant or use outside of a laboratory fume hood. Ethylene Oxide Formaldehyde Hazardous Waste Operations > the Action Level for 30 days per year Manufacture of ethylene glycol, surfactants, ethanolamines, glycol ethers, and other organic chemicals outside of a laboratory fume hood. Used as a sterilant and fumigant. They are exposed > the Action Level or Short Term Exposure Limit, or develop sign or symptoms of exposure (a) Embalming or preserving of biological specimens. Used in certain manufacturing operations. Used in textile manufacturing. Hazardous materials emergency response or waste management personnel; covered employees who develop signs of symptoms of exposure or who have a known exposure to a covered hazard (a) n-laboratory scale chemical spill response. Employees involved in chemical bulking operations outside of a chemical fume hood. Pre-placement Periodic -- annual -- annual -- annually or at s discretion 1 Emergency/ exposure ination and tests Termination -- male reproductive; repeat in 3 months -- if no within 6 months of termination Work and medical history Chest x-ray -- unless determined by Pulmonary function test Evaluation of ability to wear a respirator Employee counseling Medical removal plan unless needed for use of unless needed for use of unless needed for use of -- unless determined by -- by -- by -- by -- by (a) Other requirements may apply. Please contact EHSS for further information. 10

13 ENTRANCE CRITERIA Table 1 - Entrance Criteria for Chemicals, Dusts and Physical Agents (cont.) Exposure of Concern is: Employees are enrolled if: Occupations Where Exposures May Occur: Pre-placement Periodic Emergency/ exposure ination and tests Termination Work and medical history Chest x-ray Pulmonary function test Evaluation of ability to wear a respirator Employee counseling Laboratory Exposure to Chemicals An employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a chemical used in a laboratory, or exposure is above permissible limits for a chemical where surveillance is required Operations where chemicals found on this table are used outside of a fume hood or other control. Lasers (n- Ionizing Radiation) They routinely use Class 3b, 3r or Class 4 lasers Research operations using covered laser systems. Lead > the Action Level for 30 days per year Metal smelting, casting, refining. Soldering and welding. Remove or apply lead paint or products. unless directed by the, at s discretion unless employee reports signs/symptoms of Methylenedianiline (MDA) They are exposed > the Action Level for 30 days per year or have dermal contact > 15 days per year See footnote (b) below. -- annually or at s discretion -- annual exposure -- if no within 6 months of termination, if directed by the, if directed by the, if directed by the Medical History (a) unless needed for use of -- unless directed by the, if directed by the, if employee reports signs or symptoms -- by unless needed for use of -- by Medical removal plan (a) Those working with UV lasers or who have a history of photo-sensitivity will be provided with a skin ination. Current/past medication will be reviewed, particularly use of photo-sensitizing drugs. Tests may include ocular history, visual acuity, Amsler Grid test, and color vision test. (b) Manufacture of 4,4' Methylene-diphenyl diisocyanate; as a precursor in the manufacture of plastic fibers, antioxidants, dyestuff intermediates, corrosion preventatives, special polymers. Purified MDA: manufacturing epoxy resin curing agents, wire coating applications, polyurethane co-reactants, pigments/dyes, and defense applications. 11

14 ENTRANCE CRITERIA Table 1 - Entrance Criteria for Chemicals, Dusts and Physical Agents (cont.) Exposure of Concern is: Methylene Chloride ise Respiratory Protection Silica Employees are enrolled if: Occupations Where Exposures May Occur: Pre-placement See footnote (a), below. (a) Paint stripping, polyurethane foam manufacturing, cleaning/ degreasing The exceed an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels Construction, shops, vehicle work areas, maintenance operations, mechanical shops or research Audiometric testing required within 6 months of first exposure Periodic physical but audiometric testing required Emergency/ exposure ination and tests Termination They wear a respirator of any type except disposable dust masks Any situation where employee exposures are not adequately controlled by other means prior to use of respirator They are exposed above Permissible Limits Grinding, cutting or sanding of concrete, masonry, stone; abrasive blasting. Vinyl Chloride Exposed > the action level without regard for the use of Manufacture of poly vinyl chloride. annual (b) -- if no within 6 months of termination Only audiometric testing required Work and medical history Chest x-ray As determined by Pulmonary function test As determined by Evaluation of ability to wear a respirator Employee counseling Medical removal As determined by -- by (c) -- by -- by (d) unless needed for use of plan (a) Exposed > the action level for 30 days/year, > Permissible Exposure Limit or Short Term Exposure Limit for 10 days/year. Above the 8-TWA PEL or STEL for any time period where an employee has been identified by a or other licensed health care professional as being at risk from cardiac disease or from some other serious MC-related health condition and such employee requests inclusion in the medical surveillance program; (b) If the employee reports medical signs or symptoms related to respirator use. (c) Retest, retraining and refitting may be offered if a standard threshold shift has occurred. (d) Employees in hearing critical jobs may require special consideration. Please contact EHSS. 12

15 ENTRANCE CRITERIA Table 2 - Entrance Criteria for Other Agents Exposure of Concern is: Employees are enrolled if: Pre-placement Periodic Emergency/ exposure ination and tests Termination Work and medical history Chest x-ray Pulmonary function test Employee counseling Medical removal plan Animal Handlers Bloodborne Pathogens Infectious Agents (Including Select Agents and Toxins) They work with animals They work with or are They work with organisms or that may carry zoonotic potentially exposed to unfixed agents that are capable of diseases, that have blood, tissue or bodily fluids causing disease in humans. All been intentionally of human origin employees working with BSL2 infected with zoonotic or BSL3 organisms must enroll organisms, or that in this program. represent a serious risk for animal-related allergies. A medical survey is used to determine the hazards of risk exposure. Medical services are determined based on this review. The medical survey is updated annually. Medical services are determined based on this review., if exposure to a zoonotic organism occurs, or if the employee develops animal-related allergies or signs or symptoms of potential disease exposure. If applicable, employees should receive an appropriate titer prior to leaving employment. physical contact EHSS for guidance if an exposure of concern occurs As determined by As determined by -- if an exposure of concern occurs, the employee develops animal-related allergies, or develops signs or symptoms of a potential work-related illness., however, see Medical Reassignment section of this document -- if an exposure of concern occurs (a) Please contact EHSS for guidance if this is an issue of concern. A medical survey is used to determine the hazards of risk exposure. Medical services are determined based on this review. Immunizations and/or titers are offered to at-risk employees if available for the exposure. The medical survey is updated annually. Medical services are determined based on this review. The schedule for certain services, such as vaccinations and titers, varies., if exposure to an infectious agent occurs, or if the employee develops signs or symptoms of potential disease exposure. As determined by the. Contact EHSS for guidance. If applicable, employees should receive an appropriate titer prior to leaving employment. As determined by As determined by -- if an exposure of concern occurs, the employee develops signs or symptoms of a potential work-related illness, the employee becomes immunocompromised, or if the employee is considering conception and the exposure represents a risk to the fetus a, however, see Medical Reassignment section of this document 13

16 MEDICAL SERVICES Medical Services EHSS maintains all medical records and scheduling information for program participants. EHSS will contact employees to schedule appointments. The EHSS Medical Services Coordinator can be reached at All required medical services will be provided for you at a reasonable time and place and at no cost. For both off and on-campus participants, laboratory and services will be arranged by EHSS. EHSS will coordinate services with a local for off-campus participants. EHSS will coordinate any medical testing and reviews required by OSHA regulations or other authorities. The may perform additional tests as deemed necessary. Within 30 days of receiving the results of medical services, EHSS will send a confidential copy to your work address. It is your responsibility to send results to any third parties such as your Primary Care Physician. Records will be provided to representatives of OSHA and Worker s Compensation upon request. Each participant's medical records will be kept for a period of 30 years beyond the employee's date of termination with the university. These records are stored in an area of restricted access, in a confidential manner. Corrective Actions If your medical evaluation indicates that an over-exposure has occurred, or if you report signs or symptoms that you attribute to a workplace exposure, the following actions will occur: EHSS personnel will review the worksite, if deemed necessary, to determine if appropriate engineering, administrative or work practice controls, or personal protective equipment are being used to reduce employee exposure. Exposure monitoring may be performed to determine actual or predicted exposure levels. If you have experienced a Standard Threshold Shift in hearing level you will be refitted and retrained in the use of hearing protectors and provided with hearing protectors offering greater attenuation if necessary. You may be medically removed or reassigned if that action is recommended by the Occupational Physician and is required by OSHA regulations. Based on EHSS review, a corrective action report will be issued if changes must be made to the worksite, processes or work practices to reduce your work-related exposure. Corrective action may consist of any combination of the following measures: Engineering Controls seek to physically alter the work environment in order to reduce exposure levels. Examples of engineering controls include the installation 14

17 MEDICAL SERVICES of sound-proofing materials to reduce noise levels, ventilation improvements to reduce fume concentrations, enclosing laser beams, and replacing a toxic chemical with one that is less harmful. Administrative Controls are workplace policy, procedures, and practices that minimize the exposure of workers to risk conditions. Two common ples of administrative controls are: the rotation of employees to minimize the length of time each person is exposed to a certain chemical; and, the development of Standard Operating Procedures. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is equipment worn by employees to reduce the exposure to a workplace hazard. Examples of PPE include: worn to prevent inhalation of fumes or dusts; earplugs or muffs worn to protect hearing in noisy environments; and, laser goggles used to protect against specific wavelengths and power. Medical Removal Medical removal will be implemented upon the 's determination that continued exposure to a worksite hazard presents a significant risk to an employee s health. Medical removal would be mandated if: You have been referred to a hematologist/internist due to abnormalities from Benzene exposure in excess of 0.5 ppm; You have a blood-lead level in excess of 50 micrograms per 100g; You have a condition that will increase the risk of material health impairment from continued exposure to lead concentrations exceeding 30 micrograms per m 3 ; or if Your health would be materially impaired by continued exposure to vinyl chloride. The may recommend Medical Removal for reasons other than those listed above. Medical Removal Protection Benefits will apply to all covered employees. Medical Reassignment Medical reassignment may be recommended based on the 's determination that continued exposure to a worksite hazard presents a significant risk to an employee s health. In all cases, the potentially exposed employee should consult with his or her health care provider or the occupational to determine what, if any, additional precautions are needed based on the individual situation. It is the responsibility of the worker to communicate his or her needs to the supervisor as soon as possible in order for risk reduction to begin when it can be most effective, and also to 15

18 MEDICAL SERVICES determine if additional reasonable accommodations are necessary and if they can be made. Examples where medical reassignment should be investigated: An employee is immunocompromised and potential exposure to a zoonotic organism, select agent or toxin presents an unacceptable risk to health that cannot be effectively minimized using available vaccinations or prophylaxis, engineering and/or work practice controls; An employee is pregnant, seeking to become pregnant, or is seeking to conceive a child, and potential exposure to dye lasers, anesthetic gases, chemotherapeutic agents or certain other carcinogens or teratogens cannot be effectively minimized using engineering, work practice controls or PPE; An employees develop severe work-related animal allergies and where exposures cannot be effectively minimized using engineering, work practice controls or PPE; or, An employee develops metal-related allergies or dermatitis (for ple, from exposure to metal cutting fluids) and where exposures cannot be effectively minimized using engineering, work practice controls or PPE. Any actions taken will be determined in consultation with the employee, the Occupational Physician, EHSS, Human Resources, and other responsible university departments. 16